Marks & Spencer trials mobile payments app in stores

Marks & Spencer is the latest retailer to boost its in-store experience with the trial of a
mobile payments app in stores next month.

The pilot will allow customers to pay for their shopping using the Paddle app, created by
Marks & Spencer’s innovation arm, M&S's Digital Lab.

Menus will be introduced in select M&S coffee shops compatible with the app.

An M&S spokesperson said: “Our new digital labs team will be working with Paddle on a
small-scale trial of its proposition. Mobile and contactless payment is part of the future retail
landscape and this is exactly the sort emerging technology we want our digital lab to explore.”

Christine Bardwell, analyst at IDG, said more retailers were investing in technology that could
be used in-store as a way of enhancing the shopping experience.

“It’s not always necessarily technology with a clear return on investment. But they are looking
to innovate more themselves and do a lot more trials and tests.”

Speaking at the Retail Business Technology Expo conference, head of IT architecture Julian
Burnett said: "Failing fast at innovation is really important. You can waste a lot of time and
energy if you don’t."

Email Alerts

By submitting my Email address I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Declaration of Consent.

By submitting your personal information, you agree to receive emails regarding relevant products and special offers from TechTarget and its partners. You also agree that your personal information may be transferred and processed in the United States, and that you have read and agree to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy.

It can be tempting to stray from the security roadmap security professionals have put in place when data breaches like the Sony and Anthem breaches are all over the news. But experts say it's crucial to stick to the security basics.

The Open Data Platform has arrived, but not all Hadoop vendors are on board. The initiative, aimed at boosting interoperability, formed a backdrop for discussion at the Strata + Hadoop World 2015 conference.